If one can take the romantic vibe of the FA Cup literally, then he must hail the scheduling of the matchup of United and Arsenal just two days before Valentine's Day.
But here's the irony—ask any Gooner or United fan about how they feel for each other, and your ears will be stung with all the abuses of the world.
United and Arsenal haven't been involved in the title race for the last couple of years, and much to the delight of their fans, the next generation of players on either team have revived the same old detestation for each other.
Don't get me wrong here, we Mancs never adored the North Londoners, but in terms of title race, we are glad that we have got our prime contenders.
Though both teams are denying that the FA Cup aftermath will have any effect on their title race, deep down the players know that a win will give their title ambitions a massive boost.
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After last week's horrendous derby defeat against City, United welcomed back the soul of their team—Wayne Rooney and flying left back Patrice Evra—both of who have been out for suspension.
United have lost all their four games in the league this season without the service of this English prodigy, and still the anti-United faithful will pinpoint Ronaldo as the only player in the team. Or to be precise, will call United a "one man team."
It's worrying though that Rooney hasn't got a fair share of the goals this season, with Ronaldo and Tevez scoring more than 80 percent of them. It's possible that the gaffer is using Wazza's presence in the team as an intimidation for the opposition defense—as you know how many chances he creates. But on the gloomier side, you know how many he misses!
As for Arsenal, their Togolese stalwart Adebayor is grabbing all the attention right now, as he, like Ronaldo, is propelling his team's title hopes.
Though Rosicky and Giberto are lacking match fitness, the likes of Fabregas, Hleb, and Flamini are expected to torment the back of United.
United should use the aftermath of this match as a springboard and improvise the potential energy that they will get to take them all the way to the pinnacle of success.
Of course no one is discounting Arsenal, as history is on their side. The last time they played United at Old Trafford in an FA Cup, they won 0-2. After all, who can forget the Beckham-Fergie incident?
So the stage is set, the players are poised, and all we need to do is sit back and relish the beauty of football.
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6 months ago
Great article! I eagerly anticipate what's bound to be an entertaining match tomorrow.
United can do it!!!
6 months ago
This game is important for Utd in two ways. 1. They need to stay in contention for silverware as the League may well be beyond them and 2. A loss to two great rivals in the space of a week would certainly hand Arsenal the upper hand going into the last ten games of the EPL season.
from 6 months ago
United were 8 points behind Arsenal at this stage when they won the Treble back in '99.
So, anything is possible mate
6 months ago
Great Read Sheikh..Was thinking of writing for the game but don't see a need.very well put together.
from 6 months ago
thanks man...
6 months ago
Great one, Sheikh! Bang-on, as well, regarding '99! My in-laws are Gooner fans, I tolerate them... and they, me!
The squad needs this win, and undoubtedly want it... nevertheless, they must play 90 minutes + of football this weekend!
Is anyone else not surprised by the "Gooners" play this year? I felt once, the petulant, Henry was transferred the team congealed. Now it is up to us to unglue the w*****s!
I will have the, trusty, defibrillator on hand!
from 6 months ago
lol..i think u will have a tough time tonite to put up with ur in-laws and if ur wife is also a gooner..well then...
enjoy the game and
glory glory United!
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